In geography, Year 4 had been studying farming so a visit to a local ‘pick your own’ farm provided an ideal opportunity to extend their knowledge. Three generations work at Grays Farm and Mr Gray, head of the family, gave the children a fascinating talk about the Farm and farming, which drew on many decades of experience. Kindly sparing time on his 58th wedding anniversary, Mr Gray said how the family had moved west from the Heston area in the 1960s. Although this had been mainly beneficial, it was not without some unexpected problems. For example, lower pollution levels had meant that potato crops had had to be treated to prevent blight. The importance of keeping an eye on the weather was stressed, the techniques employed to keep birds at bay and how foxes could be beneficial were also described.

After his welcome and introduction, Mr Gray, assisted by his grand daughter, took the children around the fields explaining the different features and problems associated with various crops. The Grays encouraged the children, accompanying teachers and parent helpers to fill bags with generous samples of the crops. The sweet corn area proved particularly popular with cries of, “It’s like a jungle in here.”. Along the way, Farmer Gray also explained the machinery used and the irrigation system. The hives, to encourage bees for pollination, were also pointed out. A particular highlight was when Mr Gray lined everybody up along a furrow and demonstrated hand and mechanical potato harvesting.

The afternoon drew to a close with Year 4 posing for a Wokingham Times photographer, followed by a last chance to pick some crops amongst the raspberry canes. Here Mr Gray acknowledged that customers sometimes “checked” the fruit but when he did the same it was called “quality assurance”! The children returned to Holme Grange laden with much fresh, healthy produce and a healthier knowledge of farming.